What is a prototype?

A prototype is a preliminary model of something. Projects that offer physical products need to show backers documentation of a working prototype. This gallery features photos, videos, and other visual documentation that will give backers a sense of what’s been accomplished so far and what’s left to do. Though the development process can vary for each project, these are the stages we typically see:

Proof of Concept

Explorations that test ideas and functionality.

Functional Prototype

Demonstrates the functionality of the final product, but looks different.

Appearance Prototype

Looks like the final product, but is not functional.

Design Prototype

Appearance and function match the final product, but is made with different manufacturing methods.

Production Prototype

Appearance, function, and manufacturing methods match the final product.

Prototype Gallery

These photos and videos provide a detailed look at this project’s development.

About

AIRWAVE IS FINALLY HERE.....

THE WORLDS FIRST INFLATABLE SURF REEF

Over crowding of existing surf spots has become a chronic problem all over the world. The enjoyment of surfing is being impacted by frustration at the numbers of people trying to surf together in each location and there is a real need to provide new waves in the ocean to mitigate the overcrowding problem. AIRWAVES are designed to efficiently solve this problem. Apart from the infinite possibilities of beach installations, AIRWAVES can also be installed along the course of flowing rivers, to enable multiple, perfectly shaped, standing waves to be formed.

My name is Troy Bottegal, inventor and creator of the AIRWAVE inflatable surf reefs. AIRWAVES are compact, subtly shaped inflatable bladders, positioned close to the beach, in such a way as to transform wave closeouts into surfable a-frame peaks.
After 10 years of research and development we are now ready to manufacture and install the world’s very first AIRWAVE.

Through a carefully crafted, shape and strategically placed valves, AIRWAVES are designed to be quickly and permanently installed in multiple locations along the same stretch of beach. They are also able to be removed or moved if necessary. My aim is to bring many thousands of affordable and eco-friendly surf reefs to the worlds surf beaches.
An AIRWAVE is basically an inflatable dome, typically around 12 meters in diameter and approximately 2 meters at its maximum curve height, anchored to the ocean floor in shallow water, that mimics the back of a natural surf reef, peaking, hollowing and tapering the swell to produce a high quality, ridable wave.
The inflatable dome can act across a wide variety of swell and tide profiles. It will also promotes sandbank formation in the surrounding beach environment, as well as helping to protect beaches from wave erosion. AIRWAVES can be installed as close as 30 metres from the beach.
An AIRWAVE is simply constructed from a patented, super strong, environmentally safe compound and is designed to have minimal adverse effects on the surrounding environment. It is very simple and quick to install.
These features make it very economical and affordable to install in multiple locations, along any stretch of beach, creating multiple surfing peaks. My invention will mean more waves in more locations.
For example, six AIRWAVES could be installed along the same stretch of beach, in around 14 days. That equates to six new wave sites in two weeks. Compare this with the 18 to 24 month installation period for a contemporary offshore surf reef, with only one wave site created.... and the benefits of AIRWAVES to dramatically reduce surf crowding, become obvious.
As they are installed close to the beach, it has the added advantage of being very quick and safe to paddle out to, ideal for beginners, physically impaired, special needs groups and kids. It can also turn into a bowling, heaving peak with a jump in swell size. Filled with air, it makes for a safer surf experience all round.

For the world’s first AIRWAVE test installation to happen I need to raise the minimum funds necessary to complete installation and testing. The test site, manufacturer and marine contractors are all poised and ready for the project to begin. The more funds we raise, the faster we can increase our ability to install AIRWAVES worldwide. AIRWAVES have the potential to bring thousands of new waves to the worlds surf beaches, in a relatively short time frame. I look forward to your support.

Troy Bottegal Waveco Py Ltd

Risks and challenges

1. We had to overcome the challenges of installing Airwaves quickly and accurately in an ocean environment, by making them relatively compact and more capable to be handled by a mobile installation vessel.
2. The subtle shape of the AIrwave is designed to mitigate the problem of sand environment degradation so common around groynes and regular artificial reefs,
3. We have spent a great deal of time to evaluate valve placement, type, size and numbers, to ensure the Airwave can be filled with air and sand in the proper ratios and distribution, to ensure successful installation and operation.
4. Making the Airwave removable if it poses any risk to the environment, has allowed us to be a real option for councils concerned about environmental effects or in environmentally sensitive coastal areas.

Support

Select this reward

Pledge AU$ 10 or more
About $7

Level 1 pledge

Full encrypted access to the Airwave web site including HD beach camera and drone footage for 12 months, website press releases and area swell data charts, to track and view each new swell as it hits the AIRWAVE.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge AU$ 20 or more
About $14

Level 2 pledge

Full encrypted access to the Airwave web site including HD beach camera and drone footage for 12 months, website press releases and area swell data charts, to track and view each new swell as it hits the AIRWAVE.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge AU$ 50 or more
About $36

VIP pledge

Access to special VIP area of AIRWAVE website, to receive ongoing new test data gathered from the site, as well as the basic fully encrypted access to the Airwave web site including HD beach camera and drone footage for 12 months. Includes press releases and area swell data charts, to view ongoing swells as they hit the AIRWAVE.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge AU$ 500 or more
About $358

LAUNCH PARTY VIP ACCESS

VIP INVITE and full access to the AIRWAVE test site opening party, with official guest and dignitaries. You will recieve a VIP pass valid for 12 months via mail. Food, and entertainment provided.
PLUS Full encrypted access to the Airwave web site including HD beach camera and drone footage for 12 months, website press releases and area swell data charts, to track and view each new swell as it hits the AIRWAVE.
This offer does not include airfares or travel costs